FRANCE 98 – Bordeaux
Cross-roads of the World “Take Versailles, add Antwerp, and you get Bordeaux.” Thus was the city described by Victor Hugo, struck by its majestic 18th century constructions and its wide river. A favourable geographical position As early as the 16th century, thanks to its favourable geographical position, the city soon became the hub of north-south trade and spearheaded relations with the New World. Wine, but also the trading of wood products, further contributed to the city’s growth. Wine capital of the world
Bordeaux, cross-roads of the world Bordeaux University is one of the oldest in France; its 60,000 students also make it one of the largest. In the area of culture, Bordeaux is also in the lead. The city is rich in exceptional monuments. The city, in addition to this precious heritage, is also very dynamic and creative, as testified by the many artistic events it hosts every year. Bordeaux during the run up to the World Cup Welcome to the world… Collective organisation The Aquitaine Region at play… Shopkeepers and businesses are also actively preparing to meet the challenge of 1998. At last year’s ever-popular Bordeaux International Trade Fair, some 350,000 visitors discovered the World Football Cup pavilion, a joint venture put together by several World Cup partners from the Bordeaux area. |
POPULATION Inner city : 214,000 habitants Urban area : 697,000 habitants Mayor: Alain Juppé THE CLUB Girondins de Bordeaux 4 French League titles 3 times French Cup winners TOURISM
Sites and monuments CITY LIFE
Weather MAPS |
uilt on the meandering Garonne river, a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean, Bordeaux was already an important trading centre in the Roman era. With its harbour and maritime activities came extraordinary prosperity in the 18th century. This was the golden age, a century of opulent fortunes and architectural magnificence, which today are the pride and joy of Bordeaux’s citizens.
he Bordeaux name, of course, is synonymous with fine wines. The largest and finest vineyard in the world are spread over 135,000 hectares; and the annual production of 500 million bottles including such prestigious names as Saint-Emilion, Margaux, Pomerol and Saint-Estèphe, to mention but a few, is shipped to 160 countries.
n preparation for the World Cup, the city has set up a dedicated task force which works in close cooperation with the World Cup Organizing Committee’s local unit, as well as other local partners, with a view to mobilizing the entire population, irrespective of their social background or age…